NACFB appoints John Kent and Marc Champ as broker Directors

The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has appointed John Kent and Marc Champ as new broker Directors to its Board, strengthening broker representation and adding fresh expertise from across the commercial property finance spectrum.

The appointments were confirmed following a vote by fellow broker board Directors, with both set to attend their first Board meeting later this week.

The additions bring complementary perspectives to the Board. John Kent, Managing Director of White Rose Finance Group, brings extensive experience from the appointed representative (AR) network space, having helped build a large UK-wide network of commercial finance brokers and led accredited professional training initiatives.

Marc Champ, Founder and Managing Director of Wharf Financial Services, contributes more than 20 years of frontline experience in specialist property finance, spanning bridging, development finance, buy-to-let and complex commercial lending.

Kent and Champ replace the roles and expertise previously held by Adrian Coles and Steve Olejnik, whose interim tenures concluded at the end of 2025.

Commenting on his appointment, John Kent said: “I recognise this as an incredible opportunity to work with a highly talented group of professionals. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively to help shape the future of the NACFB and build on its positive influence within the commercial finance sector.”

Marc Champ added: “Having benefited hugely from the NACFB throughout my career, I’m excited to give something back. I’ll bring passion, real-world perspective and a commitment to ensuring the Association continues to lead from the front.”

Jim Higginbotham, CEO of the NACFB, said the appointments reflect the Association’s commitment to board-level diversity of experience:

“John and Marc bring insight, credibility and real-world experience from two different ends of the property finance spectrum. Together, they offer a valuable combination of strategic network insight and frontline brokerage expertise.”

Simon Featherstone, Chair of the NACFB, added: “Our Members operate across a wide range of products, firm structures and client types, and it’s vital that diversity of perspective is reflected at board level.

“John and Marc will help ensure the NACFB continues to represent brokers, lenders and the full breadth of intermediary business models across the commercial finance landscape.”

The appointments follow recent additions to the Board from the lender community, with Nova Everidge (Metro Bank) and Jon Wilcox (Lloyds Bank) joining earlier this year as Patron Directors, further strengthening lender representation alongside the broker voice.